I am still in the decision stage. I really want to get healthy. I believe surgery is my best option. I have been through orientation. But, my concern is I am a full blown sugar addict. I do not use this term in a laughing flippant way. I believe like a heroine addict is physically addicted I am physically and psychologically addicted to sugar. When my doctor prescribed a very low carb diet. I had no problem giving up bread, Pasta, milk, rice, etc. Even soda went by the wayside without a flinch. But, OMG, Cookies, donuts, candy, ice cream, cinnabun cake!!! It was like I was suddenly possessed. I tried ridding my kitchen of everything. And I found myself driving to the store to buy ingredients to bake! Anything to get a sugar fix!

So here's my question: does anyone have advice for dealing with these sort of overwhelming cravings pre-op and post-op? Is it just a will power issue, do you all think there is a physioloical component involved, psychological? Would love to hear everyone's take on this.

Thanks, V---

Hi Pinkguppy, surgery is a huge committment. Once you make the decision you will probably have to go on a liver shrink diet, to get you ready. I have found once you stick to it for about a week, the cravings go away. Hope that helps. I made my decision and my surgery (RNY) on Wednesday. Good luck!

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I understand where you are coming from. For me, I cannot have any sugar without it triggering more sugar. If I eat a piece of chocolate, it makes me want to eat more. It isn't easy, but the best way for me to deal with it is to have none. I can't do sugar in moderation.

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I understand where you are coming from. For me, I cannot have any sugar without it triggering more sugar. If I eat a piece of chocolate, it makes me want to eat more. It isn't easy, but the best way for me to deal with it is to have none. I can't do sugar in moderation.

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I agree. After a couple weeks of sugar free, I feel so much better and cravings go away, but let in a little slip and it seems like I am back to square one. Because of my problem with vertical banding, Processed foods and sugary foods go down so much better than vegetables and many fruits. Bad habit building for years.

I have been trying to go sugar free for a few weeks B4 the pre-op diet, and have my ups and downs, but see more control than in past.

Knowing I must make this happen to get rid of this band and get back to health is a big motivator for me.

Attending a food addict support group would be a must for you. It's hard, I won't lie. But as others have said, once you kick it, as long as you don't cheat, the cravings diminish. Find some substitutes. You can make Protein Mug cakes, I absolutely LOVE cottage cheese with crushed pineapple in it. Sometimes I also add a dry package of Non Fat Cheesecake flavored jello pudding (need to add a little skim milk in it because it can get dry). Add a bit of sugar free cool whip and enjoy!!!! Find some good substitutions.

After RNY gastric bypass surgery, I completely lost my hunger. That included my sweet tooth addiction. So it wasn't hard to avoid sugar. This loss of hunger doesn't last forever, only about a year. But after that hunger, the incessanct hunger that is constantly, continually gnawing at my bones, has been greatly subdued.

The strategy after surgery is really a deeper understanding of the different types of sweeteners, and which types to avoid in the long run. I briefly discussed the approach I use to satisfy my sweet tooth in the following article. http://www.breadandbutterscience.com/Surgery2.pdf

pinkguppy you are describing me pre-op. I would eat sugar straight out of the sugar bowl or buy a dozen donuts just for the icing only and then throw the rest of the donut away. After eating sugar in what ever form I literally would get a high and then would feel a sense of calm. I couldn't control my addiction.

I'm only 3 months post op, but the surgery has changed me. The cravings have gone and now if I have a little sugar it taste incredibly sweet. So far I've haven't had to work too hard on the psychological aspect, because the procedure did this for me.

I just want to add I know things may change, but this surgery has given me an incredibly good start on breaking the addiction.

Edited April 25, 201610 yr by WannabeH